Just One of Those Days

JUST ONE OF THOSE DAYS
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9

A few days ago I had a rough morning.  I had had back-to-back stressful days, poor sleep and pressure.  I had an appointment in town, and I got stuck behind a truck hauling large farm equipment for multiple miles.

By the time I got to my appointment, I was anxious, only to find that my appointment had been cancelled.  Frustrated and tired, I sat in the parking lot and cried.

We might not all find ourselves blubbering in a parking lot, but we all have days that are stressful, sad or frustrating.  We all experience grief, fear, failure and disappointment.  Even Jesus, in His perfection, was not immune to emotion.

“Jesus wept.” – John 11:35

Jesus was the son of God, but He was also human.  He still felt heartache, disappointment, stress and sadness, yet all were felt within the context of love.

It is comforting to know that Jesus was perfect and He cried.  The One who took the weight of our sin and sickness upon Himself was tempted in every way we are, yet He did not sin (Heb 4:15).

The Lord remembers what it is like to live in this world.  So, when we cry, our tears are not met with disgust, but with deep empathy, compassion and love.

“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18.

He draws close when we are hurting. His heart of tenderness remembers our pain and He longs to comfort us.

Father, hold us in Your arms.  Thank You that there is no need for the pretense of perfection. We are safe and invited to pour our hearts and expose our brokenness to You.

Your shoulders are broad to carry every load.  Your love is endlessly wide and deep to swallow every sin. The pressure for us to be perfect has been lifted. Jesus is perfection for us. Nothing we can say can possibly shock You, and Your resolve to love us remains unshakeable.

Father, touch us where we are hurting and strengthen us to stand.  Dry our tears, lift our chin and let our hearts hear Your words of comfort and compassion.  Holy Spirit come.  Give us courage to keep going and faith to keep believing.

Lord, lift our grief over yesterday, the burdens of today and our fears for tomorrow.  Cover them all with Your mantle of peace.

Father, we thank You for the comfort and freedom that come with the two little words, “Jesus wept.”  And that because Jesus wept, it is okay when we do, too.  In Jesus’ Name ❤️

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